As we entered the new automotive season, the average price for a new vehicle crossed $50,000. Even with a far-above-average salary, that’s a lot of money. The good news, though, is both of these luxury compacts start well under average, and even with options checked, shimmy beneath the line. The question is, “Do you want a sporty sedan or hybrid crossover?”
2026 Mazda3 Sedan Carbon Edition
Let’s start with the sedan that starts at half of average. It certainly doesn’t look it as Mazda’s designers are sorcerers at making affordable cars look expensive. From the way the hood delicately folds over the squinty headlamps to subtle use of chrome and black accents on our Carbon edition, there’s an attention of detail that carries to the neat creases and curves that define the bodysides. It all seems to wrap around black 18” wheels. The tall decklid with squinty taillamps opens to a roomy trunk with seatbacks that are easily folded by pulling two tabs. Throw in all your gear and go.
You’ll think you’re in an Audi or Alfa Romeo when you slip into the heated red leather seats, grip the perfectly sized three-prong steering wheel, and gaze at big analog gauges. Where competitors employ acres of hard plastic, the 3 has padded red-stitched surfaces. Dual-zone automatic climate controls are artfully tucked into the dash beside vents for an integrated look. The infotainment screen looks like Italian glass, but is unfortunately controlled by the most frustrating joywheel in the business. Just give me a touchscreen.
Once you learn its tricks, however, it isn’t actually that bad – especially with phones connected wirelessly through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. A charging pad and USBs in the console keep them running. There’s no head-up display (optional), but gauges are clear. Our car doesn’t have the Bose audio system either, but sounds good anyway. A power sunroof lets in light and fresh air. I wouldn’t ride in the back cross-country, but there’s enough legroom for a quick flip to dinner and it feels more upscale than expected.
Stay safe with adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane keep assist and rear cross path detection.
You can get a turbo, but it’s not necessary as our car’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivered a peppy 186 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. Torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive sharpens corners on sunny backroad days, but also stomps through snow and slick weather with poise. Unlike competitors that use buzzy and whiny continuously variable transmissions, this car’s six-speed automatic with sport mode and paddles is spot-on. Fuel economy rates an efficient 26/34-MPG city/highway.
But it’s on the road where the Mazda3 really hits its stride. The independent front, torsion beam rear suspension was designed to minimize cost, but strikes such a balance between firm handling and compliance over rough pavement that you would have to consult the spec sheet to realize the rear wheels are not independently sprung. Apparently, Mazda’s engineers are sorcerers too. This car is a delight to drive but is comfy when you just want to get to the office and back.
Rich and beautiful, its price is nothing dear. The Mazda3 Sedan starts at just $24,550 and reached only $32,710 equipped like a luxury sport sedan. In almost every way, it feels a cut above competitors like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, VW Jetta and Hyundai Elantra.
2025 Lexus UX300h Premium
The most affordable Lexus is also one of my favorites. If you’re looking for panache in a small package, but one that can travel near or far very frugally, the UX is a fine choice. And, you get a lot of Lexus luxury and quality for much less than you’d expect.
It’s not the prettiest little warthog, more of a tall hatchback than proper crossover, but definitely looks part of the Lexus family with its gaping spindle grille, slashed body creases, and full-width taillamps. Proportions are ungainly, but painting the previously black wheel well surrounds body color and filling said wheel wells with 18-inch wheels gives it a more upscale style. It’s a big pudgy from the back too, but little tailfins that rise from the lamps look cool.
My favorite part of the interior is that the infernal mouse-like joystick infotainment controller was replaced by a hyper intuitive 12.3-inch-wide touchscreen. I never understood who thought driving a desktop computer made any sense and I’m glad it’s gone. Fortunately, the rest of the rich interior remains. It’s comfortable without being extravagant, sporty without being minimalist. Drivers will appreciate flatscreen gauges and a head-up display.
The perfect seats are heated and power-adjusted with lumbar. Grip the heated steering wheel, open the glass moonroof, and connect phones wirelessly via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. A wireless charger in the console adds convenience. Beyond all of that, the high profile creates a roomy interior for peeps and cargo tossed through the power-opening hatch and landing on flip-down rear seats. An elevated seating position aids ingress and egress.
Everybody rides safely, too. Typical Lexus, the UX comes with adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross path detection. Blind spot warning and lane keep assist protect the flanks. All good, but it’s time for Lexus to offer a hands-off driving system on its smallest crossover.
It is a great little city car packing a hybrid system encompassing a 2.0-liter gas engine, batteries, and motors to deliver 196 horsepower through a continuously variable transmission. It’s a little disquieting when the engine randomly shuts off, but the batteries and motors carry you through. All-wheel-drive stands by for inclement weather. Few will complain about fuel economy rated 44/40-MPG city/highway, but a plug-in version with 40 miles EV range would make improve it.
As you’d expect in a Lexus, ride and handles are sublime. The suspension seemingly hovers over rough pavement without a squeak, creak, or rattle. Even with the hybrid system revving indiscriminately, the cabin is so well insulated passengers barely notice. If you toss it into a corner, you’ll realize the higher ground clearance and efficiency-oriented tires don’t mimic a sports car, but it shines as a city hatch that encourages long Interstate treks.
Smaller or not, the UX300h is every inch a Lexus – and it’s agreeably affordable. The base front-drive model starts at $38,035. Our all-wheel-drive Premium trim came to $46,255, or still nearly four grand less than average. Competitors include the Acura ADX, Audi Q3, Buick Envista, and Lincoln Corsair.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.